Vermont loses key federal grants impacting transportation health and emergency management funding

The House Appropriations Committee meeting held on April 23, 2025, in Vermont focused on significant funding cuts affecting various community and environmental programs. The discussions highlighted the impact of federal grant cancellations on local initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, health equity, and disaster preparedness.

The meeting began with a review of the cancellation of a grant intended for bike and pedestrian active transportation facilities in rural towns. This grant was seen as a valuable opportunity for towns to develop innovative designs for transportation projects using their own staff, which would have been more cost-effective and efficient. The loss of this funding was described as a significant setback for local communities.

Another major topic was the cancellation of a health equity grant that involved collaboration between regional planning commissions and the Department of Health. This grant aimed to ensure that community programs and policies considered the health needs of all residents, particularly marginalized groups. The total funding loss for this initiative was estimated between $150,000 and $175,000, affecting the regional planning commissions' ability to implement health-focused projects.

The committee also discussed the cancellation of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which provided $75,000 to each county in Vermont for energy projects. Many counties had transferred these funds to regional planning commissions for management, but the pause in funding has left these projects in limbo.

Additionally, the Partnership for Strategic Urban Forestry Investment grant, which supported disadvantaged communities, was also canceled. Notably, Winooski faced a significant loss of a million-dollar grant tied to its main street reconstruction project, which was part of a larger $8 to $9 million initiative.

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant from FEMA was another critical topic. This program, which funds local hazard mitigation plans, has been canceled, leaving communities without essential resources for disaster preparedness. The estimated loss from this funding cut could reach seven figures, impacting numerous towns that rely on these grants for emergency planning.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the Emergency Management Performance Grant, which supports Vermont Emergency Management and regional planning commissions. This grant is crucial for funding emergency planners who assist communities in disaster preparedness and response. The cancellation of federal funding for these programs poses a direct threat to the state's ability to manage emergencies effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the significant financial challenges facing Vermont's communities due to federal funding cuts, particularly in areas related to health equity, environmental sustainability, and disaster preparedness. The committee emphasized the need for alternative funding sources to mitigate these losses and support local initiatives.